SNAP Issuance Dates will Balance Food Supply for all Tennesseans

Nashville, TN – Effective October 1st, 2012, the day in which Tennessee Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants receive benefits may change depending on the last two digits of their Social Security Number(SSN).

The Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association (TGCSA) has requested that SNAP benefits issuance dates be extended to help accommodate demand on grocers and provide all Tennesseans more access to a complete selection of food items.

SNAP recipients may experience a delay in their payments only in the month of October. The number of days that SNAP participant’s benefits are dispersed may be extended from 1 to 10 days, which means that some recipients may get benefits a few days later than normal. However, participants will continue to receive SNAP benefits every 30 days, as they have in the past, after the initial month of change. Original monthly benefit amounts will not change.

In an effort to notify SNAP participants of the change the TGCSA has provided signage for grocers to clearly post at registers and leaflets to add in bags. Grocers have been asked to donate to local food banks to accommodate those who may need more food during the extended distribution period.

SNAP participants received letters in August to notify them of the upcoming change. Posters are also on display in the waiting areas of DHS county offices to provide further information. The EBT Customer Service Center Help Line and Family Assistance Service Center will also provide a recorded message to notify participants of this change. SNAP participants can contact their county office with questions or call the Family Assistance Service Center at 1.866.311.4287.

About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP provides nutritional assistance benefits to children and families, the elderly, the disabled, unemployed and working families. Food stamp benefits are issued and accessed electronically using a Benefit Security Card or EBT Card. To apply for benefits, visit local DHS county offices.

For more information on SNAP and other Human Services Programs, please visit our website: www.tn.gov/humanserv